The Sands Beneath My Feet

I wrote this poem a year ago when working on my first novel. I would love to know what you think, since I'm not a poet.  I read it at a poetry reading given by my author friend, which was a first for me. My knees knocked, and my bones shook the very frame of my body.  I'm learning to speak before a crowd with more courage and self-discipline.  I would love to know if other writers experience the same emotions when standing before a crowd.  I've given talks for years and before hundreds, but the feeling never changes before the actual moment arrives.  How do you overcome this fear?  Does it ever go away?

The Sands Beneath My Feet

The warm sands beneath my feet I feel

As I walk upon the beach

When dry it soothes my aching soles

And cushions my walk so sweet

Now standing on the ocean shore

The sands release beneath

As the waves roll in and wash around

My now sinking feet

Leaving me to falter like a child

Whose steps are all so new

As I walk along the beach

And search the shores for you

But along the firm packed sand I choose

With footsteps that have gone before

The sand now solid beneath my feet

My path made more sure

Along the beach I walk

And search the shores for you.

Lead me not to sink below

The watery sands of the shore

But lead me through the sure-footed path

That I may now endure

The sandy beach I tread upon

Is warm and firm and secure

And finally my journey comes to an end

As the sun fades on the horizon

Holding tight your hand in mine

We walk along the ocean shore.

I'm not a poet, but I definitely would like an opinion.